mikeymize

Just a quick update guys; I'm all moved now but my internet is sketchy so I won't be able to post as much as I might like. My household goods haven't arrived yet and until they do I'll be in a holding pattern. Meantime I'll keep up with ya'all as best I can.

Thanks for the update Mike!  It is good to hear from you.  I hope your household goods show up soon.

It reminds me of when my Dad was still in the USAF.  We moved all the time.  What I hated most was leaving behind my friends.  Of course sometimes my friends were the ones leaving when I wasn't.  So never had any childhood friends for very long.

I hope you get settled in okay.

Ken

Just a quick update guys; I'm all moved now but my internet is sketchy so I won't be able to post as much as I might like. My household goods haven't arrived yet and until they do I'll be in a holding pattern. Meantime I'll keep up with ya'all as best I can.

Wow, those are awesome photos Ken, thanks for posting them. I can imagine how a truck full of aviation  fuel backing into a plane could be a big issue!

Hi Everyone,

After my Dad passed away nearly 5 years ago, I have looked at the following picture many times trying to figure out the story.  This picture was taken at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam around August of 1964.  You can tell in the picture that something is going on because everyone in it is looking at the same spot.  And several people are running toward the area that everyone is starring at.

I have finally figured out why my Dad took this picture.   I have blown up the area and circled the spot in the following picture:

What I have circled is the nose of a RF-101C.  The fuel truck has backed into it!  Now go back to the first picture and you can understand now what is going on.  Very cool that I finally figured it out!

Ken 

Gamera

Thanks for the reminder Ken, I did notice the flags were flying at half-mast yesterday though I forgotten the date.

I did get out the hospital yesterday and am at work today. Sore but feeling generally ok. A little ticked off since someone broke into my brother-in-laws SUV at the motel Sat night and swiped my suitcase. I wouldn't care about them taking a bunch of dirty underwear and socks but I had a half dozen expensive Hawaiian shirts in there too. They also took my nephews backpacks and lunchboxes while leaving a GPS and several expensive pairs of sunglasses. I mean what team of idiots takes dirty laundry and lunchboxes over electronics and sunglasses?!?!!

Whatever I'm glad to be away from Atlanta. I NEVER intend to go within a hundred miles of that stinking pit as long as I live. Next time I go to Florida I will get plane tickets and rent a car at the airport. I hate to admit it but General Sherman was right - burn Atlanta to the ground and  the plow the whole reeking mess under...

Hi Cliff,

Very glad to hear that you are better.  That is great news.

So sorry to hear about being robbed.  I have had my car broken into a few times over the years and each time I got so mad I could chew and spit nails!  Nothing lower on this earth than a thief!  I would love to catch someone just one time.

Ken

Thanks for the reminder Ken, I did notice the flags were flying at half-mast yesterday though I forgotten the date.

I did get out the hospital yesterday and am at work today. Sore but feeling generally ok. A little ticked off since someone broke into my brother-in-laws SUV at the motel Sat night and swiped my suitcase. I wouldn't care about them taking a bunch of dirty underwear and socks but I had a half dozen expensive Hawaiian shirts in there too. They also took my nephews backpacks and lunchboxes while leaving a GPS and several expensive pairs of sunglasses. I mean what team of idiots takes dirty laundry and lunchboxes over electronics and sunglasses?!?!!

Whatever I'm glad to be away from Atlanta. I NEVER intend to go within a hundred miles of that stinking pit as long as I live. Next time I go to Florida I will get plane tickets and rent a car at the airport. I hate to admit it but General Sherman was right - burn Atlanta to the ground and  the plow the whole reeking mess under...

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.  I would like to give thanks to all the men and women who served in the military to fight for our freedom that we enjoy today.  And I also give thanks to all the civilians who sacrificed a great deal and put forth a great effort to support the military.  We took our nation from barely having a military to the greatest in the world in a very short period of time.

Ken

Yes, our country had been very immature until that point and suddenly was forced to "grow-up" that day. No more nationalism!

Jim

Hi Everyone,

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.  I would like to give thanks to all the men and women who served in the military to fight for our freedom that we enjoy today.  And I also give thanks to all the civilians who sacrificed a great deal and put forth a great effort to support the military.  We took our nation from barely having a military to the greatest in the world in a very short period of time.

Ken

Gamera

Hey guys, I'm ok except for this suction tube in my side and sore. The doctors tell me it should be coming out soon and then I can go home. Course they'he been telling me it's almost ready to remove for almost a week now. Just slowly going stir crazy staring at these same four walls. At least the food is pretty good and I have a few cute nurses.

Hi Cliff,

Very glad to hear that you are getting better.  I wish you a speedy recovery.  Please keep us posted on your progress.

Ken

Hey guys, I'm ok except for this suction tube in my side and sore. The doctors tell me it should be coming out soon and then I can go home. Course they'he been telling me it's almost ready to remove for almost a week now. Just slowly going stir crazy staring at these same four walls. At least the food is pretty good and I have a few cute nurses.

Lovely work there Jim, really like the scheme on the A-10.

How are you doing Cliff, sorry to hear about the accident.

jimbot58

Well gang,

Today I decided that I was just going to take a break from working at Mom's house. Between my job and that place, some of my days have been 12-15 hours long, and I even was over there on Thanksgiving day after I had dinner at a friends! I just needed a break both mentally and physically. (It's amazing that I haven't had to take any meds today for pain!)

I worked on some projects around home, then afterwards spent the rest of the evening at the hobby bench! It felt pretty good!

So far:

The A-10 cockpit from the front, before I tack the wind screen in place:

The screen is covered with Parafilm and glued in place. The canopy frame has already been painted. That "bubble" is a little drop of something I popped lose after I took this photo. I think it might have been Future. I covered the canopy afterwards with more Parafilm.

Silly putty masking:

The results:

Flanker cockpit nearly complete:

I even patched the hole in the cowling of the F-8. Once it dries, I can trim it, sand and paint. Always waiting for something to dry!

Maybe I'll need a little putty there?

Well, it's nearly 2 am! I better break from it an hit the sack! I do plan on heading back over to the house Sunday. Be so glad when it's over.

Jim

Well gang,

Today I decided that I was just going to take a break from working at Mom's house. Between my job and that place, some of my days have been 12-15 hours long, and I even was over there on Thanksgiving day after I had dinner at a friends! I just needed a break both mentally and physically. (It's amazing that I haven't had to take any meds today for pain!)

I worked on some projects around home, then afterwards spent the rest of the evening at the hobby bench! It felt pretty good!

So far:

The A-10 cockpit from the front, before I tack the wind screen in place:

The screen is covered with Parafilm and glued in place. The canopy frame has already been painted. That "bubble" is a little drop of something I popped lose after I took this photo. I think it might have been Future. I covered the canopy afterwards with more Parafilm.

Silly putty masking:

The results:

Flanker cockpit nearly complete:

I even patched the hole in the cowling of the F-8. Once it dries, I can trim it, sand and paint. Always waiting for something to dry!

Maybe I'll need a little putty there?

Well, it's nearly 2 am! I better break from it an hit the sack! I do plan on heading back over to the house Sunday. Be so glad when it's over.

Jim

jimbot58

Hey all!

I have a new work schedule now and I took advantage of it on Friday to run down to Colpars Hobby Town after work. Managed to score this:

Don't know when I will have a chance to give it a try, but I'll let you know when I do, and what I think of it.

In the mean time, I have had only a few opportunities to work on the hobby, much of my free time has been spent at Mom's house. Still I have had a few moments here and there.

I still hate that kit seat, but once the canopy mechanism is in place and the added seat belts on the front, maybe it wont be so bad. Should of replaced it with after market seat, but this was supposed to be an out of box build.... now that I added the PE set and the brass gun barrel to be added soon....

Jim

Hi Jim,

I brought a tube of the "Perfect Plastic Putty" to our IPMS chapter's monthly meeting last week.  One of the members said he had used it and found it does work as advertised.

Great job on the cockpit Jim!  That looks fantastic!     

Ken

Hey all!

I have a new work schedule now and I took advantage of it on Friday to run down to Colpars Hobby Town after work. Managed to score this:

Don't know when I will have a chance to give it a try, but I'll let you know when I do, and what I think of it.

In the mean time, I have had only a few opportunities to work on the hobby, much of my free time has been spent at Mom's house. Still I have had a few moments here and there.

I still hate that kit seat, but once the canopy mechanism is in place and the added seat belts on the front, maybe it wont be so bad. Should of replaced it with after market seat, but this was supposed to be an out of box build.... now that I added the PE set and the brass gun barrel to be added soon....

Jim

Cliff!

Sorry to hear about your accident! I've had to deal with cracked ribs a couple of times, but never as bad as yours! Not to mention the collar bone and everything else! I just know it's not a lot of fun! I hope that you have a speedy recovery as well!

Jim

Hey Cliff, wish you the best for speedy recovery!

Your modeling/GB buddy, MikeyMize

Thanks Ken! If anyone wants more details I typed them up on Japanese GB 3 thread. I really suck at touch screen typing so if you want more details please lol over there.

Hi Everyone,

I don't know how many of you have heard yet, but Cliff was involved in a pretty nasty accident on his way home from his vacation last Saturday.  He is still in the hospital.  I know he would appreciate hearing from everyone to wish him well.  He does have his cell phone so he can receive these messages.

Ken

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ken

Hang in there Jim. This is one of the hardest parts of this experience so keep plugging. Keep the Faith and in Him you'll find the strength to go on.

Now let's see some pics of what you got done. Comments from everyone here might help motivate you some more. I know it always works for me.

Hey Gang,

Just thought I would pop in and let you know I'm still here.

As hard as I thought this job would be, it's worse. There is just so much stuff to go through! What to sell, what to donate, what to trash, and what to keep! It's not only stuff of Mom's, but there is a lot left from Dad as well! Trying to sort it all out and then what to do with it! Trips to donation centers, recycle places, and how to deal with all the trash!

Physically it is tough as there are 2 levels of the house and my knees can barely manage stairs anymore. It all plays havoc on the arthritis! The mental and emotional part is bad as well. I wish it was done and I could just go on with my own life! If you figure in Mom's extended illness this whole thing has been going on for probably almost a decade maybe?

I did take a break Saturday and spent a little time at the hobby bench. It felt good, though it's hard to motivate myself to do so. Too often I fall asleep at the desk....

Jim

jimbot58

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

Plasticjunkie just passed along a tip about a new product that some of you may have already heard about.  It is called Perfect Plastic Putty.  It is supposed to have no shrinkage, easy to clean off excess while still wet with water, and easy to sand and paint.

I found it available on Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076LAVFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

Ken

Here is a Youtube video:

Be sure to pay attention on how to use it to make miniature plastic cakes. I been trying to figure out  how to add a chocolate cake for the cockpit of the A-10.

You are way to funny Jim!   

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Everyone,

Plasticjunkie just passed along a tip about a new product that some of you may have already heard about.  It is called Perfect Plastic Putty.  It is supposed to have no shrinkage, easy to clean off excess while still wet with water, and easy to sand and paint.

I found it available on Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076LAVFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

Ken

Here is a Youtube video:

Be sure to pay attention on how to use it to make miniature plastic cakes. I been trying to figure out  how to add a chocolate cake for the cockpit of the A-10.

Hi Everyone,

Plasticjunkie just passed along a tip about a new product that some of you may have already heard about.  It is called Perfect Plastic Putty.  It is supposed to have no shrinkage, easy to clean off excess while still wet with water, and easy to sand and paint.

I found it available on Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076LAVFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

Ken

jimbot58

All I ever found was my Dad's discharge papers. It was pretty much routine. Awards for good conduct, and service in North Africa and Europe, stuff like that. Not much else. I mostly remember him talking of some of the experiences he had when he was telling somebody else -other than his son...

I understand about not being told any stories.  I actually did not even know to inquire about such things.  My Dad was in for 20 years, so all I knew was the Air Force.  I knew when he was TDY to Vietnam, but did not know what he was doing.  I was only 7 years old at the time.  Then as I got older, I knew he was a flight engineer on the C-141A and then the C-5A.  All that I knew was that he would be gone on his "trips" for about a week at a time.

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

jimbot58

Gamera

Jim: My prayers that you get the house sold soon and move on with your life. At least you're getting some modeling done so I hope it takes your mind off things.

Ken: I did get the photos with the MOAB, they're also either on the camera or the phone, I'll see if I can root them up tomorrow.

-7 degrees, good golly!?! Yeah I'll stop complaining too, I'm not sure I could take that!

Thanks for the thoughts, guys.

The weather tonight? Right now it it is 10 degrees, with predictions anywhere from +2 to -2 for the overnight low. We were running 65-70 temps  right before this arctic front hit.

I hope you guys don't mind if I share a bit of and experience I had today and an unexpected finding of a treasure!

I was going through items in the utility room today, when I opened up a cabinet door and out tumbled a small item. Catching it in my hand, I realized of was some sort of a locket! On the front it shows in raised relief, the City of Chicago! Also shown are some of the features of Chicago, such as Marina City, the historic Water Tower, and Buckingham Fountain! This is the fountain you always see on the opening credits of "Married With Children" Chicago is the city my Mother and Grandmother were born in.

The locket itself isn't the special part. It isn't all that old as Marina City was completed in 1964. Mom and Gran came out to Denver in the 50's so it was probably bought during a later visit back home.

Inside was the treasure! There I found 2 photographs and realized it belonged to my grandmother. The pictures are of the two men that Grandma loved dearly, both known as "Jimmy". The top one being Jimmy Pembroke, Gran's second husband, whom she was forced to leave at the instruction of the Catholic Church. They would not recognize the marriage as she was a divorced woman, and therefore it would be "living in sin" to stay. It broke her heart, but she did it anyway.

The second "Jimmy"? Well, I'll leave you to guess whom that may be......

Now I have never believed in spirits and ghosts and all that, but I find it interesting that this thing should fall out of a cabinet, and right into the palm of my hand!

Do you hear eerie music in the background?

"Jimmy"

PS. Though not a blood relation, this is the man I was named after.......

J.

Very cool find there Jim!  That had to make your day.

It reminds me of finding my Dad's USAF records and going through them.  Even my Mom did not know some of the stuff that I found in there.  Things like being the crew chief for the base commander's plane!  And all of the great reviews he got while in the service.  He never discussed any of that with us.

Ken

All I ever found was my Dad's discharge papers. It was pretty much routine. Awards for good conduct, and service in North Africa and Europe, stuff like that. Not much else. I mostly remember him talking of some of the experiences he had when he was telling somebody else -other than his son...

jimbot58

Gamera

Jim: My prayers that you get the house sold soon and move on with your life. At least you're getting some modeling done so I hope it takes your mind off things.

Ken: I did get the photos with the MOAB, they're also either on the camera or the phone, I'll see if I can root them up tomorrow.

-7 degrees, good golly!?! Yeah I'll stop complaining too, I'm not sure I could take that!

Thanks for the thoughts, guys.

The weather tonight? Right now it it is 10 degrees, with predictions anywhere from +2 to -2 for the overnight low. We were running 65-70 temps  right before this arctic front hit.

I hope you guys don't mind if I share a bit of and experience I had today and an unexpected finding of a treasure!

I was going through items in the utility room today, when I opened up a cabinet door and out tumbled a small item. Catching it in my hand, I realized of was some sort of a locket! On the front it shows in raised relief, the City of Chicago! Also shown are some of the features of Chicago, such as Marina City, the historic Water Tower, and Buckingham Fountain! This is the fountain you always see on the opening credits of "Married With Children" Chicago is the city my Mother and Grandmother were born in.

The locket itself isn't the special part. It isn't all that old as Marina City was completed in 1964. Mom and Gran came out to Denver in the 50's so it was probably bought during a later visit back home.

Inside was the treasure! There I found 2 photographs and realized it belonged to my grandmother. The pictures are of the two men that Grandma loved dearly, both known as "Jimmy". The top one being Jimmy Pembroke, Gran's second husband, whom she was forced to leave at the instruction of the Catholic Church. They would not recognize the marriage as she was a divorced woman, and therefore it would be "living in sin" to stay. It broke her heart, but she did it anyway.

The second "Jimmy"? Well, I'll leave you to guess whom that may be......

Now I have never believed in spirits and ghosts and all that, but I find it interesting that this thing should fall out of a cabinet, and right into the palm of my hand!

Do you hear eerie music in the background?

"Jimmy"

PS. Though not a blood relation, this is the man I was named after.......

J.

Very cool find there Jim!  That had to make your day.

It reminds me of finding my Dad's USAF records and going through them.  Even my Mom did not know some of the stuff that I found in there.  Things like being the crew chief for the base commander's plane!  And all of the great reviews he got while in the service.  He never discussed any of that with us.

Ken